It amazes me how fast this encounter goes from verbal to physical to deadly. How would you have practiced Active Self Protection if you were the intended victim?

News story with details and the decision of the DA: http://get-asp.com/7a86

What lessons do we learn from this encounter?

1. Racial violence is real in America, and it is terrible. To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr. I long to live in a country where people are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, and that desire goes all ways. These attackers were despicable all around, and violence based on ethnicity or race has no place in our society. None.

2. Thank God that Williams had his firearm on him that day. Four or five angry drunks bent on doing someone harm could quickly have put him in the hospital or killed him. Unless you’re Bruce Lee, one person against 4 attackers is a losing proposition if you don’t have a force multiplier like a firearm.

3. Gunfights are close quarters, mean, nasty fights. This was three shots at under 3 yards while moving and trying to avoid being hurt. That’s the reality of a gunfight, so once you’ve mastered basic marksmanship make sure to train in those skills. You’re likely to need them if you need your firearm.

4. Williams showed good restraint. In the face of slurs he kept his cool. I don’t blame him for not shaking the guy’s hand because he could well have seen it as a front for an attack, and that’s exactly what happened. He drew his firearm in the face of danger but retreated and sought not to use it, which was fantastic. When the time came, he shot until the threat stopped which was exemplary. This is a textbook case of what we train for as armed citizens.

5. The caliber debate is shown to be silly here. This attacker was fatally wounded by a .40 S&W, and yet died 6 miles from the scene and ran away. The myth of “stopping power” is just that: myth. Anything that passes the FBI ballistic protocol is acceptable, so carry what you’re best with and feel good about. And a psychological stop is as good as any other stop!

6. Generally, as a first blush, the one who calls 911 first is seen in the eyes of the law as the victim. Don’t overshare with 911 because the call is recorded and is evidence, but tell them where you are, what happened, and that you need police. Williams did a great job of being ready and being non-threatening when officers arrived, and they did a great job of not coming in ready for a fight.

7. Note as well that it took a good 5 minutes or more for police to arrive; the old adage, “When seconds count, the police are just minutes away” is utterly true and any cop will tell you that.

Attitude. Skills. Plan.